Virtual reality–enhanced parent education for NICU caregivers
Virtual Reality-Enhanced Parent Education and Its Effect on Neonatal Intensive Care Practices: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This pilot will try short VR training sessions to help parents of newborns in the NICU learn caregiving tasks and build confidence compared with standard education.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Jouf University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ismailia, Ismailia, Egypt.) |
| Trial ID | NCT07410858 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, randomized, parallel-group pilot enrolls parents of neonates admitted to the NICU and randomly assigns them to VR-enhanced education or standard parent education. The intervention group receives short immersive VR sessions using a headset that demonstrate NICU orientation and routine caregiving procedures, while the control group receives usual verbal and printed instruction. Study outcomes focus on feasibility (recruitment, adherence, retention), parent knowledge and confidence, observed caregiving practices, and VR safety/tolerability. Results will generate preliminary effect-size estimates to inform larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are parents or legal guardians aged 18 or older of a neonate admitted to the NICU within 72 hours who read Arabic and are willing to consent and participate.
Not a fit: Parents with epilepsy or vestibular disorders, those whose infant is expected to leave the unit within 48 hours, or those unable to use VR are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, VR training could increase parent confidence and caregiving competence in the NICU and ease the transition to home care.
How similar studies have performed: Virtual reality has shown promise for medical and caregiver training in other settings, but its use for NICU parent education is relatively novel with only limited pilot data.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parent or legal guardian of a neonate admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) within 72 hours of admission * Age 18 years or older * Able to read and understand the study language (Arabic) * Willing to provide informed consent and participate in study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * Parent with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, vestibular disorder, or any medical condition that contraindicates virtual reality exposure * Parent of a neonate expected to be discharged or transferred within 48 hours * Parent unable to complete study procedures or assessments
Where this trial is running
Ismailia, Ismailia, Egypt.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Suez Canal University Hospital — Ismailia, Ismailia, Egypt., Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Nadia B. Elsharkawy, Assoc.Prof.
- Email: nelsharkawy@ju.edu.sa
- Phone: 00966554180474
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.